Welcome to WrightCFO's June 2020 Newsletter. If you missed the last instalment you can take a look here.
It has been the strangest year, and we are now halfway through. This weekend saw the longest day of the year at the summer solstice and we now face the long slow crawl to winter. (Winter is Coming - something to put a smile on the face of all George R R Martin fans!)
However it is not all gloom, and in fact the recent easing of lockdown has provided a lifeline to many businesses. The big questions is just how do we return to work?
In this months newsletter we look at current guidance on returning to work, or returning to your usual workplace, to aid you in the process.
As always if you have any comments or queries relating to the content of this Newsletter please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Business as Usual?
Given the recent easement of lockdown restrictions, and encouragement from the government for businesses to return to a normal working routine, many organisations are considering the prospect of returning to work. This is obviously particularly pertinent for companies that have a furloughed workforce and seek to reestablish their business.
In May this year the UK Government provided guidance for businesses on returning to work, as updated in June. They focused on the following points although also provided guidance for specific industries with additional considerations.
1. Work from home, if you can
2. Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment, in consultation with workers or trade unions
3. Maintain 2 metres social distancing, wherever possible
4. Where people cannot be 2 metres apart, manage transmission risk
5. Reinforce cleaning processes
Many businesses have been assessing the need to return to a traditional way of working, having found that they could actually manage with a remote working situation. Indeed some businesses are evaluating the need for external premises, particularly those who operate from multiple office facilities.
However, many organisations do not have a choice and need to reinstate their staff in their office or business premises at the earliest opportunity.
With that in mind we have looked at available resources to aid those businesses in the process.
The following articles are available free of charge and will aid your assessment process.
All guidance is focused around the Government's simplified 5 steps to working safely. Although you will have your own requirements specific to your business type and facility. It is advisable to involve your workforce in this process to ensure you consider every aspect of the business that will be affected.
Make Hay While the Sun Shines
There is a lot of talk in the media about the extra time we have been afforded by the lockdown. Although this is a moot point. One thing though is for sure, lockdown has facilitated prioritisation of tasks, and as such has perhaps allowed time for new activities or highlighted the need for us to make time for ourselves?
Many of us are managing crazy routines to try and keep on top of workload, home life and all other responsibilities. If the 'New Normal' is here to stay for the foreseeable future we have to find time, no matter how limited, for other activities.
With that in mind we wanted to draw your attention to the wealth of free webinars related to business that may be of interest to you. Some are available to watch after the event allowing you to catch up at your convenience.
Life, work, business is different now. Yesterday I heard of business owners saying ”we’re waiting this out”. Please don’t wait this out. Change is a here. Make the adaptations your business needs to survive. Adapt. Now is the time to evolve. As always, if you need help with your financial and business planning, change management or even business coaching, please get in touch. We can help.
